Battelle to work on SIGMA+ Phase 2

Battelle Memorial Institute is embarking on Phase 2 work in the SIGMA+ programme for DARPA.

SIGMA+ is an R&D effort to create an advanced networked sensor to detect and identify biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

SIGMA+ aims to develop a capability to detect illicit radioactive and nuclear materials by developing new sensors and networks that would alert authorities to chemical, biological, and explosives threats as well.

The programme calls for the development of highly sensitive detectors and advanced intelligence analytics to detect minute traces of various substances related to WMD threats.

SIGMA+ will use a common network infrastructure and mobile sensing strategy. The SIGMA+ CBRNE detection network would be scalable to cover a major metropolitan city and its surrounding region.

Phase 1 of SIGMA+ focuses on developing novel sensors for chemicals, explosives, and biological agents.

Phase 2 focuses on network development, analytics and integration. The Phase 2 contract is worth $8.51 million and Battelle will complete it by September 2023, the DoD announced on 15 April.

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